Newbie Needs Advice! Costa Rica/Riviera Maya

My fiance and I have been in the DW research mode for a couple months and have finally nailed it down to Riviera Maya or Costa Rica. Costa Rica is our dream, but we're still trying to see if we can find a hotel that works. We have looked at a number of beautiful luxury resorts in RM and CR, but they are just not our style. We are much more laid-back and would like things to feel a little more personal. Our group is also laid back and I don't think they would really take advantage of all-inclusive benefits (open bar and activities). I'm hoping to find some suggestions for a more casual beach wedding in RM or CR.

Hey Rosie, welcome to BDW! You will love this forum. It's a great DW resource, and all the ladies (and some gents) are super friendly and willing to share their experience and knowledge. You definitely have plenty of options in the Riviera May if an AI isn't your thing... Beach Clubs: Grand Coral, Blue Venado, Ana y Jose, Zama Beach & Lounge (Isla Mujeres) etc; Villa(s): Hacienda Caracol, Casa Yardena etc; And even small boutique places that you can take over with your guests: Le Reve Hotel & Spa. There are also local planners who can help you scout out the right venue that will perfectly fit you needs and style...Happy Planning!

You sound like me. I was also looking for something more laid-back, not all-inclusive. Check out the hotels in Tulum, Mexico â€” I'm having my wedding at the Ana y Jose Beach Club, but I also looked into Playa Azul, La Zebra, and Las Ranitas.

I've also been to Costa Rica twice, and it's a stunning place! I recommend looking into Rancho Margot in the Arenal area, or there's also some gorgeous cliffside hotels in Manuel Antonio (but those don't come cheap). I have friends who got married on the beach in Manuel Antonio, truly a stunning choice.

The other thing to keep in mind is that places a little bit off the beaten path are, well, off the beaten path. In the Riviera Maya, you and your guests will have to drive 1.5 hours from Cancun to get to Tulum, and in Costa Rica it's 3 hours from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. But for me, the privacy and natural beauty of these places is worth it.